South Whitehall police corner speeder after chase

April 04, 2011

A 23-year-old man was arrested following a police pursuit that began in Whitehall and ended in South Whitehall, authorities said.

Norman A. Hummel, of 1930 Pirma Ave., South Whitehall, was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police and several traffic violations, including reckless driving and careless driving. He was arraigned before District Judge Jacob Hammond and sent to Lehigh County Prison under $2,500 bail.

Hummel was driving a 2001 red Audi S4 and was caught going twice the posted speed limit along Presidential Drive near Peach Tree Circle in Whitehall around 8 a.m., according to court records.

Whitehall police attempted to pull him over, but Hummel took off, authorities said.

Hummel led police on a chase through Whitehall, onto to Mickley Road, then into South Whitehall, on Lehnert and Scherersville roads, Whitehall Police Sgt. Greg Bealer said.

Police lost the driver at the intersection of Scherersville and Mauch Chunk roads, deciding not to follow him through rush hour traffic, possibly onto Route 22.

But South Whitehall police recognized the vehicle and both departments went to the driver's address.

They found him driving away from his home, and officers stopped the vehicle, Bealer said.